Difference Between Flu and Meningitis

In the early stages in young children and adolescents, meningitis appears to have similar symptoms to that of the flu. However, while both can cause a headache, the stiff neck of meningitis generally does not occur with the flu.

1. How do you rule out meningitis?
2. Can the flu turn into meningitis?
3. How can you tell the difference between viral and bacterial meningitis?
4. Is a stiff neck a sign of the flu?
5. How long can you have meningitis and not know it?
6. How long can Meningitis go untreated?
7. When should I worry about meningitis?
8. Does Meningitis go away by itself?
9. Can strep turn into meningitis?
10. What are the 3 types of meningitis?
11. What are the 5 types of meningitis?
12. What is the incubation period for meningitis?

How do you rule out meningitis?

a physical examination to look for symptoms of meningitis. a blood test to check for bacteria or viruses. a lumbar puncture – where a sample of fluid is taken from the spine and checked for bacteria or viruses. a CT scan to check for any problems with the brain, such as swelling.

Can the flu turn into meningitis?

This bacteria can be found in the nose and throat, and are usually harmless. However, in people with weakened immune systems, such as those recovering from a cold or the flu, the bacteria can sometimes spread to the brain and cause meningitis. Meningitis is life-threatening if not treated promptly.

How can you tell the difference between viral and bacterial meningitis?

The clues that the doctor uses are the levels of white cells, protein and glucose in the CSF. Typically in bacterial meningitis the white cell count is much higher than in viral meningitis (and is a different type of white cell), the protein is much higher and the glucose is much lower than in viral meningitis.

Is a stiff neck a sign of the flu?

In addition to fever, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, a stiff neck can be a sign of a simple viral infection, such as the flu.

How long can you have meningitis and not know it?

Symptoms of bacterial meningitis can appear quickly or over several days. Typically they develop within 3 to 7 days after exposure. Later symptoms of bacterial meningitis can be very serious (e.g., seizures, coma). For this reason, anyone who thinks they may have meningitis should see a doctor as soon as possible.

How long can Meningitis go untreated?

Bacterial meningitis – bacterial meningitis has a sudden onset, and can cause serious health problems, or even death, within 24 hours if left untreated. If treated early, the symptoms of bacterial meningitis can improve in as little as 2-3 days.

When should I worry about meningitis?

Bacterial meningitis can be very serious. So if you see symptoms or think that your child could have meningitis, it's important to see the doctor right away. If meningitis is suspected, the doctor will order tests, probably including a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to collect a sample of spinal fluid.

Does Meningitis go away by itself?

Most people with mild viral meningitis usually get better on their own within 7 to 10 days. Initial symptoms of viral meningitis are similar to those for bacterial meningitis.

Can strep turn into meningitis?

Several strains of bacteria can cause acute bacterial meningitis, most commonly: Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). This bacterium is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in infants, young children and adults in the United States. It more commonly causes pneumonia or ear or sinus infections.

What are the 3 types of meningitis?

Types of meningitis

• Viral meningitis. Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis. ...
• Bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is contagious and caused by infection from certain bacteria. ...
• Fungal meningitis. Fungal meningitis is a rare type of meningitis. ...
• Parasitic meningitis. ...
• Non-infectious meningitis.

What are the 5 types of meningitis?

There are actually five types of meningitis — bacterial, viral, parasitic, fungal, and non-infectious — each classified by the cause of the disease.

What is the incubation period for meningitis?

What is the incubation period of Bacterial Meningitis and how long is it contagious? Symptoms generally develop 1-10 days after exposure, but usually less than 4 days. Meningitis is contagious until at least 24 hours after treatment with antibiotics the bacteria is sensitive to.